Ossian Collection > Gaelic bards

242 ORIGINAL POEMS.
His ancient song whene'er bis steed
Starts at the touch of fear.
Thus far they tell the road is lost
In the loose shifted sand.
And nearer they approach and near
The loud and roaring strand.
What ails thy steed now, Captain, teF. —
What ail thy steed ond thee —
What makes him stai t and snort so loud
At scenting of the sea Ì
What feeling makes him toss so high
His head, and step so light,
And seem for nervous start prepared,
And haste and headlong flight Ì
A strong hand holds the bridle rein.
The horse turns to the left,
And all along the line of ^Yaves
Trips warily and deff.
His rider looks a moment round,
Where o'er the wide blue sea.
Before the moon that bursts its shroud
The misty shadows flee.
The gelding grey starts once again,
The Captain glances back —
My God ! what stalw;irt horseman rides
Upon that giant black !
Dies in a cough the Captain's song,
He spurs the gallant grey,